Sally: You are in for a real treat! Brilliance was awesome. We did a 10-day last March and I found the entertainment to be a bit weak in the first half of the cruise. It did pick up by mid-cruise. As far as tips....the Seaview Cafe is a must. It is tucked away on the top deck and they have the best milkshakes and burgers. Their crab salad is great too.
They are only open a few hours a day. Check it out! If you have any specific questions, please ask.

I agree with ML, the entertainment started off a little slow but got better! We had the Drifters and John Davidson onboard so it will depend on who they are contracting for your cruise! The shows with their singers/dancers were o.k., too.

The buffet area is very good and definitely try the SeaView! It is tricky to find but worth the trip! You have to pay for your drink but not the food, I did see people carry ice tea from the regular buffet area. I had a caesar salad that way absolutely to die for, crisp, fresh, wonderful! Onion rings were super, too! :-)

Check out the whole ship, we were on for 10 days and discovered a nice little bar area towards the end of our cruise! Turns out our table mates were going there before dinner every evening!